Statewide list of sites: How to find free lunch for Michigan kids with schools shut down
SAGINAW, MI — As schools throughout mid-Michigan and across the state prepare to close until at least April 5 in an effort to prevent or at least slow the spread of coronavirus and the disease it causes, COVID-19, area nonprofit agencies are searching for ways to feed at-risk children whose only meals may come from their school cafeterias.
Saginaw Public Schools, meanwhile, plans to distribute food to students 18 and younger at 8 distribution sites and on school bus routes in Saginaw, the district announced late Friday.
Hidden Harvest staff and volunteers on Friday, March 13, were busy collecting milk and fresh produce from schools that would otherwise go to waste, said President and CEO Samantha McKenzie, and its partner agencies are working to find ways to distribute that food to children and families in need.
“Right now we are in food rescue-mode, so we’re picking up from the area schools that are giving us a call to make sure the food they have isn’t wasted,” McKenzie said Friday, noting that schools in Bangor Township, Saginaw Township, the city of Saginaw and Hemlock had already called offering donations. “Each of our agencies are really working to do what they can to make sure people are still getting food but respond appropriately with some good common sense.”
All Michigan schools to close as coronavirus spreads, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announces
McKenzie said for some children, school meals are the only meals they can count on.
“We hear that statement the most from our school lunch ladies. They say they know the kids that come in on Monday and really need that breakfast that they’re preparing,” she said.
Other community leaders are working to find solutions, too.
First Ward Community Center officials are devising a plan to deliver food to all students in it’s after-school program. They’re also teaming up with Jimmy Greene, CEO of Associated Builders and Contractors, who, with help from other business and community leaders, raised $10,000 to buy McDonald’s gift cards for students throughout the Great Lakes Bay Region.
Michelle McGregor, director of First Ward Community Services, is currently in talks with school districts and developing a plan to help them feed kids.
“On a daily we serve 65 kids for the after-school program," McGregor said. “If the kids have food, then I know the need is being met.”
Greene plans to deliver the McDonald’s gift cards to First Ward on Monday, March 16, the first day all Michigan schools must close, according to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.
“People don’t realize, three weeks in the house. So I thought a Happy Meal can put a smile on their face," he said.
First Ward will help deliver the gift cards in Saginaw County and will provide bag lunches for others in the community daily.
Audra Davis, president and CEO of United Way of Saginaw County, said the organization is in the process of reaching out to partners and the Saginaw County Intermediate School District, assessing community needs, and developing plans for action. She said United Way is prepared to assist in any way it can.
“We want to know how we can help support their (schools’) initiatives. We know many children are receiving breakfast and lunches at schools and that may be the only food they receive throughout the day, particularly reliable and healthy meals," she said.
The United Way will continue to offer its Project HOME assistance services to help people who may be facing eviction due to lack of income maintain housing, Davis said. The organization is also planning a food box distribution to take place in April as long as it can procure the food donations necessary.
“We are encouraging, encouraging, encouraging our families in the community to utilize our 211 service for referrals to agencies, food pantries and support services that are still operational in our community,” she said. “They literally just have to dial the numbers 2-1-1. It’s free, it costs them nothing. From diapers to food pantries to clothing to housing assistance to bill assistance, all of those things can be accomplished through that number.”
On Friday afternoon, Saginaw ISD Superintendent Kathy Stewart said “online meetings are taking place right now with the state and we are working together to come up with a plan," and by Friday evening school officials had shared a detailed plan on Facebook.
The plan, detailed in the Facebook post below, provides meals for students ages 18 and younger Monday through Sunday at eight distribution sites in Saginaw and in Saginaw neighborhoods via school bus routes.
And Great Lakes Dream Center, a church located at 700 Lafayette Ave. in Bay City, plans to offer free sack lunches to kids with drive-thru pick up at noon on Wednesdays for three weeks while schools are closed.
Whitmer announced Thursday evening, March 12, that all K-12 school buildings will close Monday through Sunday, April 5, as a precautionary measure. Schools will re-open April 6, though Whitmer said that may be adjusted or extended.
"This is a necessary step to protect our kids, our families, and our overall public health,” Whitmer said Thursday.
Read more on MLive:
See mid-Michigan school closings for Friday, March 13
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer bans gatherings of more than 250 people as coronavirus spreads
Facing gas or electric shutoff? Find help through these local organizations
Church groups in Michigan issue coronavirus guidance, some urge suspending in-person worship
Michigan governor asks Trump to open special Obamacare enrollment period during coronavirus threat
Here’s a list of specific recommendations from state health officials